Leading independent distributor All3Media International has signed a key deal for Lion Television’s upcoming premium factual series Pompeii: The New Dig, as PBS joins the project, commissioned by BBC Two, as co-producer with Arte France and acquires broadcast rights for the US and Canada.
From the renowned creators of Secrets of the Saqqara Tomb and Saving Venice, Pompeii: The New Dig follows the biggest excavation of Pompeii in a generation. The 3 x 1 hour series, which will broadcast in 2024, was originally commissioned by BBC Two in the UK and is co-produced with Arte, France, in association with All3Media International.
Told through cinematically filmed stories of discovery, with a compelling cast of archaeologists and experts, Pompeii: The New Dig is set to reveal a wealth of buried secrets and unsolved mysteries that are waiting to be discovered beneath the volcanic ash. With exclusive access to the present-day archaeological and forensic investigation, it also reveals new discoveries of what happened to named survivors, tracing their modern-day descendants living in Italy through an unprecedented genetic portrait of Pompeii.
Remarkably, in the excavation, archaeologists uncovered a fresco that looked like a pizza. This artwork, dating back 2,000 years, was discovered in the Regio IX section of Pompeii’s archaeological park, near Naples, where pizza originated. It was found on a wall in what seems to have been a hallway of a house, possibly connected to a bakery.
The new series will premiere on BBC Two in the UK on Monday 15th April, 9:00 pm -10:00 pm BST and on PBS in the US and Canada on Wednesday 15th May 10:00-11:00 p.m. ET (check local listings) on PBS, PBS.org, and the PBS App. Additional episodes will air on May 22 and 29.
Jennifer Askin, SVP North America at All3Media International, commented, “We’re delighted to welcome PBS onboard as co-producer and broadcaster for US/Canada on Lion Television’s latest project,” said Jennifer Askin, SVP North America at All3Media International. “Infused with Lion Television’s trademark cinematic values and immersive storytelling, Pompeii: The New Dig will take us right to the heart of a moment in history that has always fascinated audiences around the world. And by ensuring local experts play a central role, Lion Television is bringing true authenticity to the series, giving viewers a unique opportunity to join the archaeologists as they unearth more thrilling finds and add even more depth to the incredible story of Pompeii and its people.”
“We’re thrilled to continue our relationship with the accomplished teams at both Lion Television and All3Media International and collaborate on such a captivating show,” said Diana El-Osta, Senior Director, Multiplatform Programming and Development, PBS. “The recent excavation is unveiling valuable insights into Pompeii, showcasing there’s still much to discover. PBS viewers will get to join in on an intriguing 2000-year journey, spanning from Pompeii’s ancient homes to the present day, and we can’t wait for them to watch.”
